City and Colour

Perth WA

City and Colour at Red Hill Auditorium

We’ve seen the palace in London, we’ve seen a castle in Wales.

On January 23, 2025, we saw City and Colour grace the stage at the renowned Red Hill Auditorium in Perth, Australia. Set against the stunning backdrop of Perth’s city lights and the vast Australian sky, the evening featured an incredible lineup of artists: Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys, Nathaniel Rateliff, and, of course, the main act, City and Colour—the musical project of Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green. Each act brought their own distinct sound and energy to the night, but it was Green's emotionally resonant performance that capped off a perfect evening.

City and Colour

City and Colour is the recording alias for Dallas Green, a multi-talented musician known for his evocative acoustic and folk music. Before embarking on his solo journey as City and Colour, Green was best known as the guitarist and vocalist for Alexisonfire, a Canadian post-hardcore band that earned a devoted following in the mid-2000s. Green’s contributions to Alexisonfire were marked by his melodic vocals, which beautifully balanced the band's intense, scream-filled sound.

However, in 2004, feeling the need to explore a different musical avenue, Green began to record acoustic songs for himself. These songs—gentle, introspective, and stripped of the heavy instrumentation of his band—would eventually evolve into City and Colour, named after his own first and last name, Dallas (a city) and Green (a colour). The name reflected Green’s desire for a fresh identity outside of his work with Alexisonfire, as he felt too queasy to release the music under his own name.

City and Colour’s early releases, including "Sometimes" (2005) and "Bring Me Your Love" (2008), garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Over time, Green’s sound matured into a rich blend of folk, indie rock, and soul, marked by his distinctive voice and deeply emotional songwriting. His ability to craft songs that evoke both personal reflection and universal themes of love, loss, and longing made City and Colour a favourite on both the festival circuit and intimate venues worldwide.

The project has produced numerous successful albums, such as "Little Hell" (2011), "The Hurry and the Harm" (2013), and "If I Should Go Before You" (2015), with each release expanding the boundaries of Green's acoustic roots while keeping his emotional core intact. For many, a City and Colour live performance is a chance to experience the full depth of Green’s artistry in an intimate setting, where every note feels personal.

City and Colour: The Headliner

At 9:55 PM, the moment that everyone had been waiting for arrived. City and Colour—Dallas Green and his band—took to the stage, and the atmosphere at Red Hill shifted once again, this time to something deeply intimate and emotionally charged. As the first note of “The Girl” reverberated through the venue, the crowd fell silent in awe. Green’s voice, with its rich, emotional timbre, filled the air, instantly captivating everyone in attendance.

City and Colour’s set was a masterful display of musical precision and emotional depth. The band’s performance was tight, perfectly rehearsed, and delivered with the kind of understated confidence that comes only from years of playing together. Every member of the band brought their A-game, seamlessly complementing Green’s powerful voice. The connection between the musicians was palpable, and it felt as though the band was one cohesive unit—a musical family, united in their craft.

Green’s vocal range was on full display as he moved effortlessly between delicate, stripped-back acoustic ballads and more monumental, full-band tracks. Songs were received with monstrous applause, with the audience singing along word for word. But it wasn’t just the audience’s response that made the performance special; it was Green’s ability to create such an intimate atmosphere in a large outdoor venue. Even in the open air, with thousands in attendance, his voice felt personal—like he was singing directly to each individual in the crowd.

There were moments of pure magic during the performance, which left the audience in complete silence before erupting into thunderous applause. It was one of those rare instances where the music transcended the performance itself, connecting everyone present in a shared experience of emotion.

Nathaniel Rateliff

At 8:30 PM, Nathaniel Rateliff took the stage, and the energy in the crowd shifted dramatically. The roar of excitement from the audience was immediate as the soulful powerhouse launched into his set. Rateliff, known for his deep, raspy voice and retro-soul sound, immediately captivated the crowd with his dynamic presence and unwavering confidence.

His performance was tight, energetic, and full of raw emotion. Backed by his band, the Night Sweats, Rateliff’s set was a showcase of his incredible vocal range and command of the stage. He oozed charisma, drawing the crowd into every song with his magnetic personality. It was clear that this was a performance fans had been eagerly anticipating.

Rateliff’s ability to connect with his audience is one of his greatest strengths. Throughout the set, he effortlessly bridged the gap between performer and spectator, sharing moments of vulnerability with the crowd and drawing them in with his down-to-earth charm. Dressed to impress, with a commanding stage presence that only a veteran like him could possess, Rateliff and his band delivered a set that was as emotionally charged as it was musically tight.

His mix of folk, rock, and R&B elements, paired with his deep, soulful voice, is a rare combination that had the Red Hill audience hanging on every word. The set felt like a celebration of his career, with every song building on the last, creating an undeniable connection between Rateliff and his fans. His performance was a testament to the power of live music—a celebration of emotion, connection, and pure musicality.

Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys

The evening kicked off at 7:30 PM with Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys, an indie-folk group whose emotional depth and polished sound immediately set the tone for the night. The band’s lead, Caitlin Harnett, has become a rising star in the Australian folk scene, known for her raw vocals and ability to weave deeply personal stories into every song.

From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys were more than ready to engage the crowd. Their set was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending haunting melodies with a country-tinged folk sound. The band's chemistry was evident; each musician seamlessly worked together to create a captivating, heartfelt performance. Harnett’s voice, full of warmth and vulnerability, resonated deeply with the crowd, drawing them into the music with every passing song.

Their set was not just a warm-up for the main acts but a memorable performance in its own right, showcasing a band that was both polished and raw. Harnett’s dynamic vocal range, combined with the tight rhythms and intricate guitar work, made it a truly intimate experience. It was the perfect way to begin the evening—creating an atmosphere of connection and anticipation for what was to come.

For fans in the Fremantle area, Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys will be performing again at Honky Tonk Blues on January 24, 2025, where they’ll undoubtedly bring the same passion and authenticity to a more intimate setting. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to arrive early to catch this incredible band before they inevitably make a bigger mark on the music scene.

The Venue: Red Hill Auditorium

A huge shout-out must go to the Red Hill Auditorium, one of the most spectacular venues in Australia. With a capacity of up to 5,000, the venue is perched high above the city, offering stunning views of Perth’s skyline. On this particular night, the sky transformed into a canvas of pinks and oranges as the sun set, casting a magical glow over the audience below.

The sound at Red Hill is something truly special. The acoustics are pristine, ensuring that every note is crystal clear and immersive, even in an outdoor setting. Whether you’re front and centre or standing at the back of the venue, the sound quality never falters, creating an immersive listening experience. The staff at Red Hill, from security to bar staff, all contribute to an atmosphere of care and professionalism, making sure everyone is taken care of. It’s no wonder that fans continue to return to Red Hill for its unique blend of spectacular acoustics, breathtaking views, and unparalleled atmosphere.

As the final notes of City and Colour’s set faded into the night, the crowd erupted into applause, knowing they had witnessed something truly special. The evening, which began with Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys and continued with Nathaniel Rateliff, culminated in an unforgettable performance by City and Colour.